Agenda

Below is a sample agenda from the spring 2017 Director’s Academy. The fall 2017 agenda will be available in summer 2017.

Spring 2017: Defining the Future State for Boards

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Session I – The 2017 Proxy Season

1 – 5 p.m.

During this session, participants will receive updates from the 2017 proxy season and examine the trends that have emerged from shareholder meetings held in the first half of the year. A panel of key stakeholders will share their perspectives as they review the results and suggest conversations that should take in today’s boardroom.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Session II – Creating Long-Term Value in a Short-Term World

9 – 11:30 a.m.

Do corporations systematically take too short a view and not invest for the long term? This question continues to be the primary focus for all stakeholders. While some investors, and perhaps management, may argue for increased dividends or stock repurchases the company must have access to the capital required to adopt and commit to its strategic plan for in the long term. This session will cover the exchange needed in today’s boardroom to ensure that the company’s allocation aligns with and advances its long-term strategic priorities.

Lunch Session – Trending in Corporate Governance

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

The changing pressures and dynamics that boards will face are complex and will have significant impact. Political uncertainty and the continued pressure from institutional investors on a number of fronts are top of mind in the boardroom. During this session, participants will learn about and discuss some of the key trends affecting corporate governance.

Session III – Strategy and Risk in an Age of Digital Disruption

1:30 – 3:15 p.m.

Disruption poses a risk and creates opportunities, driven by external factors or process enhancements that create increased efficiency. As new strategies emerge to leverage technological advances, change is rapid and often, not easily anticipated. New technologies are causing disruption on a daily basis challenging traditional business models. Companies in all industries need to be assessing this potential risk. This session will address how high performing boards are thinking both offensively and defensively as they evaluate opportunities and risks posed by the digital revolution on their strategic direction.

Session IV – Defining the Future State for Boards

3:30 – 5 p.m.

Boards must guide companies successfully into the future while governing it for the present. During this session, participants will gain insight as to the core competencies and cultural dynamics that boards, CEOs, and recruiters look for to ensure they have forward thinkers seated at the table with the strategic vision needed to guide the company into the future.